Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP’s Insurance/Reinsurance Group Receives Band 1 Illinois Ranking in Chambers USA 2026 Guide

Press Release

June 17, 2026

ATLANTA (June 17, 2026) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (“SGR”) is pleased to announce that the Firm’s Insurance/Reinsurance Group has again been awarded a Band 1 ranking in Illinois in the 2026 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business in the Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Reinsurance category.

The prestigious legal guide, published annually by London–based Chambers & Partners, identifies leading lawyers and law firm practices based on interviews conducted by Chambers researchers with thousands of attorneys and their clients. The guide is widely regarded as one of the most respected legal directories in the industry.

Chambers feedback from clients includes: "The team provides excellent advocacy with a deep bench and a thorough knowledge of insurance and reinsurance issues." "The team offers strong business sense and understands how to efficiently and effectively approach arbitrations and litigation matters."

Notably, this year’s rankings mark the first time that John O'Bryan has earned an individual ranking in the Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Reinsurance category in Illinois, earning Band 3 recognition. His inclusion further highlights the strength and growth of the group.

Six members of the group were recognized with individual rankings in Illinois:

James J. Boland – Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Reinsurance – Illinois – Band 3
Katheleen A. Ehrhart – Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Reinsurance – Illinois – Band 3
Peter B. Steffen – Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Reinsurance – Illinois – Band 3
Thomas F. Bush – Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Reinsurance – Illinois – Band 3
John M. O’Bryan – Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Reinsurance – Illinois – Band 3
Joseph T. McCullough – Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Reinsurance – Illinois – Band 1

As disputes affecting the insurance and reinsurance industry become increasingly complex, the legal skills and industry knowledge required to serve clients effectively are more important than ever. Our team is not only deeply versed in the intricacies of reinsurance customs and practices but also understands the critical commercial relationships that drive the industry.

SGR’s Insurance/Reinsurance Group has successfully represented a broad spectrum of participants in the industry at nearly every level. Whether our clients are insurers, reinsurers, agents, or brokers, and regardless of whether the matter is transactional, regulatory, or litigation-based, our attorneys bring a wealth of experience and a commercial, results-oriented approach.

To learn more about the group, please visit: https://www.sgrlaw.com/industries/insurance-and-reinsurance/.

About Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP
Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP is a full-service, international law firm that advises regional, national and global businesses on a wide range of legal matters. The Firm’s more than 400 professionals provide legal counsel in more than 50 specialized practice areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, intellectual property, aviation, banking, real estate, insurance/reinsurance, construction, employment law, international, and employee benefits and executive compensation. Founded in 1893, Smith Gambrell has 15 domestic and international offices, including Atlanta; Austin; Charlotte; Chicago; Houston; Jacksonville; London; Los Angeles; Miami; Milan; Munich; New York; Southampton; Tampa; and Washington, D.C.